[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 49 (Thursday, March 16, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S824]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        REMEMBERING ELAN GANELES

 Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart 
to pay tribute to Elan Ganeles, a beloved son, brother, and friend to 
so many. Tragically, Elan was killed in Israel on February 27, at the 
age of 26.
  Raised in West Hartford, Elan was one of Connecticut's own, a 
remarkable young man with unlimited potential. He was visiting Israel 
last month to attend a friend's wedding, when he was senselessly 
murdered by a gunman outside of Jericho, a beautiful life cut 
tragically short by violence and hate.
  Born in the Bronx, NY, Elan moved with his family as an infant to 
West Hartford, CT, where he spent most of his young life. The Ganeles 
family are members of the Young Israel of West Hartford, and Elan 
attended the Hebrew High School of New England, where he graduated in 
2014.
  After graduating high school, Elan spent several years in Israel as a 
kibbutz volunteer and a member of the Israeli Defense Forces--IDF--
working as a computer programmer. Following 3 years of IDF service, 
Elan returned to the United States to attend Columbia University where 
he was an admired member of the campus community. He graduated in 2022 
with a double major in sustainable development and neuroscience and 
behavior.
  At Columbia, Elan was very active in the Jewish community on campus. 
He participated in the First Year Leadership Fellowship and was 
involved in the TAMID Consulting Group, the Wednesday Night Learning 
Program, and Yavneh, the Orthodox student community on campus. Elan was 
also a dean's list student and a valued friend to all who knew him. His 
former roommate described him as the ``best friend you could ask for.''
  Indeed, Elan's zeal for friendship--his gift for relating and 
loving--may be his enduring legacy. He touched so many lives in such 
meaningful ways. He will be remembered by countless friends, deeply 
impressive for their diversity as well as number. Elan would do 
anything for others. His huge capacity for kindness and generosity 
created lasting gratitude.
  Elan is recalled as a deeply intelligent and intellectually curious 
person, relishing time with family. Elan's mother, Dr. Carolyn Ganeles, 
remembers her son's never-ending inquisitiveness. His father, Dr. 
Andrew Ganeles, speaks of Elan's strong sense of independence and the 
exciting lifetime ahead.
  Recently, I met with Elan's grieving family and friends sitting Shiva 
at the Ganeles' home in West Hartford. I heard firsthand about this 
amazing young man, and I am heartbroken for his family and their tragic 
loss--indeed, for all who might have known him. May Elan's memory be a 
blessing.
  My wife Cynthia and I extend our deepest sympathies to Elan's family 
during this difficult time, particularly to his parents Andrew and 
Carolyn, and his brothers Simon and Gabriel. I hope my colleagues will 
join me in honoring Elan's life and legacy, both large and 
lasting.

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